With a wave of new laws taking effect across Oklahoma on July 1, 2025, many drivers are asking what’s changed regarding right turns at red lights, a staple of American driving for decades. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the updated rule and keep you safe – and legal – on the roads.
What Was the Old Rule?
Historically, Oklahoma drivers could make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians, unless a posted sign prohibited it. This “right on red” principle allowed smoother traffic flow and reduced idle time at intersections.
What’s New for 2025?
In July 2025, Oklahoma introduced an important update to the right-turn-on-red rule, reflecting pedestrian safety concerns, national trends, and calls for more consistent traffic patterns:
Right turns on red are still generally permitted statewide unless specifically prohibited by signage at the intersection.
Local Authorities Can Now Restrict Right on Red: Under the new law, local governments and individual cities have greater discretion to ban right turns on red at selected intersections by posting new “No Turn on Red” signs, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic or crash rates.
Signage is Key: If you see a “No Turn on Red” sign, you must obey it – violations can result in fines.
How Does It Work at Intersections Now?
Stop First: As always, you must come to a complete stop at the red light.
Check for Signage: Look for new or existing “No Turn on Red” signs. If present, you must wait for a green signal.
Yield the Right-of-Way: Even at intersections where right on red remains allowed, you must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and all oncoming traffic.
Visibility and Safety: The changes emphasize careful checking for bikes and pedestrians, a growing concern in Oklahoma’s downtowns and school zones.
Why the Change?
Safety Concerns: Studies have linked right turns on red to pedestrian and bicyclist accidents, especially in busy urban areas.
Consistency: Some intersections have always banned right on red, but inconsistent signage led to confusion. The new law gives local authorities clear power to limit turns where needed.
National Trends: Oklahoma’s adjustment follows a broader movement in states like California, Washington, and some major U.S. cities to reexamine or restrict right turns on red for safety.
Exceptions and Special Cases
Red Arrow: A red right-turn arrow means no right turn at all until the arrow turns green, regardless of signage.
Private Property or Business Parking Lots: These new rules apply only to public intersections controlled by traffic signals.
Penalties
Violating the new right-on-red restrictions in signed areas can lead to a traffic citation and a fine. Additionally, if a right turn on red leads to a crash involving a pedestrian or cyclist, the driver may face more serious consequences.
Key Tips for Drivers in 2025
Always stop fully at a red light before considering a right turn.
Obey all posted “No Turn on Red” signs—these are more common starting July 2025.
Yield to pedestrians and cross-traffic at every intersection.
When unsure, wait for the green!
Oklahoma still allows right turns on red after coming to a complete stop, but cities now have more power to limit the practice through clear signage at selected intersections. To stay on the right side of the law and ensure everyone’s safety, check the intersection for new signs before proceeding, yield to pedestrians, and never rush through a red.
Staying alert to these local changes will help you avoid tickets—and keep Oklahoma’s streets safer for all users.
Sources
[1] https://law.justia.com/codes/oklahoma/title-47/section-47-11-202/
[2] https://www.gjel.com/blog/state-driving-laws
[3] https://gowensinjurylaw.com/the-end-of-right-turns-at-red-lights-2/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
[5] https://www.news9.com/story/6807e64ab9b8d1f385d61d7b/-rush-decisions-real-consequences-oklahoma-city-police-target-red-light-offenders-
